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Commission votes to revisit bylaws after dispute over alternates speaking in meetings
Summary
After debate over whether alternate commissioners may participate in discussion and closed session, San Benito LAFCO voted 3-2 to place a bylaw review on a future agenda and requested legal clarification on alternate participation rules.
The San Benito Local Agency Formation Commission voted 3-2 to place a review of the commission bylaw language on a future agenda after members disputed whether alternate commissioners may speak during meetings and in closed session.
The issue surfaced during public comment, when an alternate commissioner spoke from the dais. Several commissioners and members of the public questioned whether alternates should be permitted to participate at will when the regular appointee is present. Executive Officer Jennifer Stevenson said the commission’s historical practice had allowed alternates to participate, but she offered to provide a written legal opinion and to add a formal bylaw discussion to a future agenda.
The motion to revisit the bylaw language passed on roll call: Commissioner Kozmicki — yes; Commissioner Zenger — yes; Commissioner Stevens — yes; Commissioner Betancourt — no; Commissioner Jordan — no (3–2). Staff said a written legal interpretation would be provided and that the commission could adopt a standing policy clarifying alternates’ role.
Ending: The commission chair said she will place an item on a future agenda to consider repealing or revising prior outreach that invited special district participation; legal counsel agreed to provide a written opinion about alternate participation in meetings.
